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Pilgrims Enjoy Rest and Refreshment at 2012 St. Thekla Pilgrimage

St. Thekla Pilgrimage, 2012St. Thekla Pilgrimage, 2012Pilgrims gathered for the annual St. Thekla Pilgrimage at the Antiochian Village from September 21-23, 2012, joined by presiding hierarch His Grace Bishop Thomas, and the Abbess of the Convent of St. Thekla, Mother Alexandra. The Pilgrimage began on Friday evening with Great Vespers, followed by dinner, a showing of the Oscar nominated movie "The Help," and a discussion led by Fr. Anthony Yazge, Antiochian chair of the Department of Camping.

On Saturday, the Pilgrimage continued with a Hierarchical Liturgy at St. Ignatius Chapel at the Camp, followed by fellowship at brunch and an afternoon of activities which included workshops and discussion on "The Family and the Media" and "The Sacraments." Pilgrims also attended the Supplication Service to St. Thekla with anointing with oil from the Shrine in Maíaloula, Syria, and enjoyed a Chapel tour with Village Director Paul Finley. Afterwards, there was time for prayer, rest and reflection, and an opportunity to tour the Antiochian Heritage Museum.

In the evening, participants celebrated Great Vespers, ate a wonderful dinner, listened to a talk titled "Keeping the Door of the Heart," presentedMother Alexandra reads Scripture at Pilgrimage LiturgyMother Alexandra reads Scripture at Pilgrimage Liturgy by Mother Alexandra, and enjoyed fellowship and snacks around the campfire at the Antiochian Village Pavilion. The Pilgrimage concluded on Sunday morning after Orthros, Hierarchical Liturgy, prayers for travelers and brunch.

"May St. Thekla continue to guide these pilgrims as they continue their daily pilgrimage in the Faith!" notes Mother Alexandra. "We thank all who attended the Pilgrimage, especially His Grace Bishop Thomas for his presence and availability during the weekend, Fr. Anthony Yazge, our clergy of the Pittsburgh Deanery, the Deacons who were on retreat who served, the chanters throughout the weekend, and the Antiochian Village Staff for their care of the faithful during their stay."